UK
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Partnerships & AlliancesO2 e-health partner Visionable ramps up operations
Startup enabling prompt treatment lands NHS contract on the back of successful Telefónica-backed pilot. Group renewing interest in ICT health sector.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: the startups to watch
Five standout startups driving UK 5G innovation. UK government helping underwrite. Regional initiatives open floor to smaller operators (MNOs in the wings).
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: projects, testbeds and trials
Inaugural DCMS 5G funding established testbeds across the UK: hubs for future 5G‑enabled innovation. £200m funding pledged by 2022.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: Rural Connected Communities
5G set to be leverages to improve the connectivity in rural, underserved areas across the UK. Rural nature sees telco participation lacking; regional operators pick up the slack. Startups and SMEs in the picture.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: Industrial 5G
Three projects to build next‑generation connectivity into UK industry. O2 and Vodafone take the lead. Universities make up significant proportion of consortia.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: 5G Create
DCMS‑funded projects take £16m in grants for 5G use‑cases. Automation, broadcasting, and XR among the technologies. BT, O2, and Three participate.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: West Midlands 5G
WM5G was established by the West Midlands Combined Authority and DCMS, with the DCMS promising more than £20m of investment by March 2022.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: Scotland 5G Centre
The S5GC was established as a 5G development hub and is chaired by former BT executive Julie Snell. Attracted £5.3m Scottish government investment, to expire in 2022.
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Innovation (R&D)
UK 5G innovation: EU 5G PPP
A joint initiative between the EC and European industry. In its third wave of projects after launching in June 2018. Telefónica present via its R D entity Telefónica I D. Deutsche Telekom also involved in several projects via Group and Greek subsidiary; BT present in UK‑focused ...
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Venturing & Investments
Wayra UK’s Moraes: startup maturity needed
UK Country Manager highlights shift in focus for Wayra: scale‑ups that can better take advantage of Telefónica opportunities. UK strategy outlined: B2C a priority; 5G development encouraged. 5G to be deployed across all European Wayra hubs.
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M&A
Vestager: Brexit complicates O2‑VM competitions ruling
European Competition Commissioner signals openness to allowing CMA to oversee the review of O2’s proposed merger with Virgin Media History, and the appeal of the EC being able to reassert its views on market consolidation, may still point to Europe asserting its prerogative however. O2 and Virgin ...
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M&A
Vodafone UK’s partner puzzle remains unsolved
Could O2 + Virgin Media = Three for Vodafone UK? Fixed–mobile convergence is a riddle to be solved.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica’s core markets: Nokia and Juniper pick up gigs
Vivo into loans; Juniper picked for 5G backhaul security; Nokia wins UK SDM.
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Suppliers & SCM
O2 evolves Darwin Project with new lab
Nokia and Hispasat are providing the technology to support 5G and satellite connectivity for CAVs.
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Innovation (R&D)
BT, O2 underpin West Mids 5G transport management projects
BT and O2 involved with projects mapping traffic, congestion, and infrastructure. Other projects focus on passengers, pedestrians, tourists, and parking. WM5G allocates £2.4m to seven project consortia; £2.5m for next round.
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Partnerships & Alliances
O2 supports green initiative in Thames Valley
O2 UK helps fund smart city deployment for greener networks drive. ADEPT’s Live Labs project small‑scale, but with broader ambition.
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M&A
Fries and Álvarez-Pallete: two minds on UK JV
While Telefónica and Liberty said to be on same page on O2–Virgin Media integration, respective chiefs hinted at varying concerns and strategic priorities linked to the progress of the JV.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Telefónica's core markets: Ezentis bags Brazil contract; Atos in Spain
Ezentis and Tech Mahindra in key support roles, O2 UK introduces Bubl.
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M&A
New Three boss snipes at O2–Virgin merger
Finnegan doubtful on merits of O2–Virgin Media deal, but bullish on leading further UK consolidation.
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Network & Infrastructure
BT takes charge of 5G factory floor
BT collaborates with Worcestershire 5G (W5G) testbed and Ericsson to install ‘live’ 5G factory. Runs and manages private 5G network for Worcester Bosch. Takes technology lead at W5G to accelerate UK adoption of smart-manufacturing.
